OTTAWA, June 27, 2016 /CNW/ - Today we are celebrating Canadian Multiculturalism Day, and we are taking this opportunity to recognize the contributions of multicultural groups and communities to Canadian society.

This special day is part of Celebrate Canada, a four‑day celebration that highlights cultural diversity in our country, beginning with National Aboriginal Day on June 21 and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24. Celebrations continue today with Canadian Multiculturalism Day and finish on Canada Day on July 1.

The great diversity of Canada's population has helped shape our laws, institutions, social norms and cultural traditions. As we mark Multiculturalism Day, it is important to remember that Canada's strength lies in this diversity.

When we come together to bridge cultural differences between us, we build our society in enduring ways.

Canada is an open, accepting, progressive and prosperous country. There is a direct line between each of those attributes and Canada's success in building a diverse and inclusive society.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, I take special pride in this day and its significance as we fashion the Canada of tomorrow.